EMMITSBURG, Md. (April 13, 2024) – Mount St. Mary's shot out of the gate Saturday in their penultimate game, but Sacred Heart was able to reverse the momentum and maintain their unbeaten Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) mark. The visiting Pioneers took the contest by a 16-5 final.
Brody Atkinson and
Connor Barrett were multi-goal scorers for the Mount, providing two each.
Mitchell Dunham finished with five ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers.
Ethan Holobinko went 11-for-22 in the faceoff circle, and
Bennett Wright completed seven saves in his first career start.
Morgan O'Reilly led the way for Sacred Heart with eight points, six of them on goals. The Pioneers improved to 8-0 in MAAC play and clinch the No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament and at least a share of the regular season title.
Initial results did not suggest a decisive SHU victory. Holobinko raced the opening faceoff to Atkinson for a goal seven seconds in. This sparked three goals by the Mountaineers in the first six minutes and change to tally a 3-1 lead. But the Pios answered the challenge with the next four goals in the quarter, and the next three in the second period before the Mount could answer.
With the score 8-4 Sacred Heart at the break, tenacious defense by the visitors ensured there would be no comeback. A third quarter Barrett goal represented the lone goal the Mountaineers posted in the second half.
One more game remains on the schedule, which is Senior Day at home next Saturday (Apr. 20) against Siena. First faceoff is at 4 p.m. with ceremonies pregame.
